Are you ready to get wacky and have serious fun with the little ones? Clapping games are the ultimate way to keep kids entertained and help them develop their coordination and social skills.
So, we’ve got you covered with 40 super-creative and interactive clapping games that will keep those tiny hands clapping and those little feet moving! Without further ado, let’s dive into the clapping frenzy:
Amazing Clapping Games
Miss Mary Mack
Miss Mary Mack, Mack, Mack, all dressed in black, black, black, with silver buttons, buttons, buttons, all down her back, back, back. This classic clapping game is perfect for showing off those epic clapping skills and getting into the groove.
Down By the Banks
Down by the banks of the hanky panky, where the bullfrogs jump from bank to banky, with an Eeps, Ipes, Oeps, Ops, chili willy, ding dong, skilly willy pop. This one’s a bit more challenging, with a tricky hand-slapping rhythm that’ll have the kids jumping and clapping like never before.
Pat-a-Cake
Pat-a-cake, baker’s man, bake me a cake as fast as possible. Roll it, pat it, mark it with a B, and put it in the oven for baby and me. This classic nursery rhyme is perfect for introducing younger kids to the world of clapping games. They’ll love the sing-songy rhythm and the chance to mimic the actions.
Pease Porridge Hot
Pease porridge hot, pease porridge cold, pease porridge in the pot, nine days old. Some like it hot, some like it cold, some like it in the pot, nine days old. This game is perfect for those silly kiddos who love to act goofy. The nonsensical lyrics will have them laughing and clapping all at once.
A Sailor Went to Sea
A sailor went to sea, sea, sea, to see what he could see, see, see. But all that he could see, see, see, was the bottom of the deep blue sea, sea, sea. Get ready to explore the deep blue sea with this clapping game! It’s easy to learn and perfect for those who love playing sailors.
Slide
Slide, slippery slide, with an X, a cross, and a circle slide. Slide into some fun with this clapping game that mimics the sliding motion. Your little ones will love coming up with hand motions to accompany the lyrics.
Concentration
Concentration, Concentration, let’s play this game that’s all the rage. Concentration, Concentration, challenge yourself every day and night! Are you ready for a challenge? Then get ready to play Concentration! It requires a bit more focus and Concentration than the other games on this list, but that’s what makes it so exciting!
Miss Susie
Miss Susie had a steamboat; the steamboat had a bell. Miss Susie went to heaven, and the steamboat went to the operator from hell! Get ready for some call-and-response fun with Miss Susie! The catchy lyrics will have your little ones singing along all day long.
Teddy Bear
Teddy bear, teddy bear, turn around. Teddy bear, teddy bear, touch the ground. Teddy bear, teddy bear, show your shoe. Teddy bear, a teddy bear that will do. If your little ones are learning to play clapping games, then Teddy Bear is the perfect place to start! It’s easy to follow along and remember with simple motions and lyrics. So get your teddy bear ready, and let’s start clapping!
Rainbow Hands
Red hands, yellow hands, clap your hands! Take a break from boring hand-clapping games and add colorful fun with Rainbow Hands! Your kids will love learning the colors of the rainbow while getting their exercise on!
Lemon Drop
Lemon drop, sugar shock, beat it up, don’t stop! Lemon drop, sugar shock, beat it up, don’t stop! Turn around, touch the ground, and freeze! Get ready for a sweet and challenging game with Lemon Drop! The hand motions are a bit trickier, but the satisfaction of nailing it is worth it!
Button Frenzy
Button, button, who’s got the button? Test your memory and eagle eyes with this thrilling game of Button Frenzy! Kids can’t get enough of the excitement of outwitting their pals and showing off their skills. Who will be the ultimate Button Frenzy champion?
Sally Shuffle
Little Sally Walker, grooving down the block. She didn’t know what to do, so she did the Sally Shuffle. She said, “Hey, girl, show your moves, show your moves, switch.” Get ready to boogie! Sally Shuffle is the perfect game for kids who love to dance and shake it up! With catchy lyrics and hand motions that mimic grooving, this game will have your kids up and dancing in no time!
Say, Say, My Playmate
Yo, my playmate! Come out and play with me! Bring your dolls and climb up my apple tree! This game is perfect for kiddos who love to imagine and make up their tales. The silly lyrics will tickle their funny bones and have them ROFL-ing like crazy!
Boom Chicka Boom
Boom, chicka boom, let’s have some fun! Get your singin’ and dancin’ with me, and we’ll be numero uno! This game is perfect for kids who love to go wild and let loose. The catchy lyrics and simple hand motions will get them movin’ and groovin’ like a bunch of silly monkeys!
Double Double
Double, double this, double, double that. Double up on the crazy, and double up on the laughs! This game is perfect for kids who love to repeat stuff and be silly. The easy-peasy lyrics are a cinch to remember and will have them in fits of giggles!
My Hands
My hands on my head, I’ll stand up on my tippy toes. My writings on my waist, I’ll stand up on my nose! This game is perfect for kids who love challenges and want to test their balance skills. The hand motions might be a bit tricky, but hey, that’s half the fun!
Apples and Bananas
I like to eat, eat, eat apples and bananas. I want to eat, eat, eat apples and bananas. This game is perfect for kids who love to sing and play with words. The wacky lyrics and nutty vowel sounds will have them laughing and singing along in no time!
Lemonade Crunchy Ice
Lemonade crunchy ice beat it once and won it twice. Turn around, touch the ground, and then freeze up nicely! This game is perfect for kids who love challenges and want to show their coordination skills. The hand motions might be slightly more complex, but that’s just an opportunity to show off their mad skills!
Pizza, Pizza Daddy-O
Pizza, pizza daddy-o, pizza, pizza daddy-o. Let’s get our silly on with some singing and dancing! This game is perfect for kids who love to be wacky and wild. The nonsensical lyrics will have them laughing, jumping, and dancing along like a bunch of loons!
Down By the Riverside
Down by the riverside, a-ha, a-ha. Where the green grass grows, a-ha, a-ha. Get ready to play outside and clap your hands like you don’t care!
Cinderella
Cinderella, dressed in yellow, went upstairs to kiss a fellow. But, oh no, she made a mistake and kissed a sneaky little snake! How many doctors did it take? One, two, three, four… Count along with us, and let’s get silly!
A Sailor Went to Sea
A sailor went to sea, sea, sea, to see what he could see, see, see. And what did he see, see, see? A whale that could juggle with its tail! Join us in singing and making some fun hand motions.
Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear
Teddy bear, teddy bear, turn around. Teddy bear, teddy bear, touch the ground. Teddy bear, teddy bear, show your shoe. Teddy bear, a teddy bear that will do. Let’s prepare to rumble with tricky hand motions that make you laugh and wiggle.
Miss Patsy Had a Giraffe
Miss Patsy had a giraffe; she named him Shrimpy Jim. She put him in the bathtub to see if he could swim. This game is perfect for kids who love to crack up. The lyrics have a hilarious twist at the end that will get kids chuckling.
Miss Mary Mack (Version 2)
Miss Mary Mack, Mack, Mack, all dressed in black, black, black. She had a cat, cat, cat, that wore a hat, hat, hat! Join us in singing and dancing with Miss Mary and her stylish cat.
Hot Potato
Hot potato, hot potato, who’s got the hot potato? Keep the potato moving fast while trying not to get caught holding it when the music stops. Get ready to feel the heat and have some fun!
The More We Get Together
The more we get together, together, together. The more we get together, the happier we’ll be. Join us in singing and making joyful hand motions as we celebrate the power of friendship and togetherness.
Pease Porridge Hot
Pease porridge hot, pease porridge cold, pease porridge in the pot, nine days old. Yuck! Who wants to eat old porridge? Join us in making silly faces and sounds as we play this funny game.
I Met a Bear
I met a bear, a big old bear, way up there. He asked me, “Do you know how to dance the cha-cha-cha?” Join us in singing and making fun bear-like hand motions as we boogie with this cool dancing bear!
Miss Susie Had a Steamboat
Miss Susie had a flying toaster; the toaster had a bell. Miss Susie went to Pluto; the toaster went to… Greetings, operator; forward me digit nine! This game is ideal for children who fancy a bit of wackiness. The lyrics may seem gibberish, but that makes it so much fun!
Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear (Version 2)
Teddy bear, teddy bear, spins around like a tornado. Teddy bear, teddy bear, touches the ground like a potato. Teddy bear, teddy bear, show your shoe like a kangaroo. Teddy bear, teddy bear, now scream out boo-hoo! Teddy bear, teddy bear, climbs up the stairs with a frown. Teddy bear, teddy bear, do a backflip and don’t fall. Teddy bear, turn off the light and shout with might. Teddy bear, teddy bear, say goodnight and sleep tight. This game is ideal for kids who love a challenge. The hand motions get increasingly absurd as the game goes on, but that’s part of the absurdity!
See Saw
Seesaw, Margery Daw, and Jacky shall have a new disaster. Jacky shall have but a pickle daily because he likes to dance like a master. This game is perfect for kids who love to sing and play with hand motions. The lyrics are plain and repetitive, but that’s part of the charm!
A duffle, a waffle, a purple and orange snaffle.
This game is a blast for little ones who like to bop and hop. The lyrics are wacky, and the hand moves are easy to pop.
A Biscuit, A Basket
A biscuit, a basket, a magenta, and a teal casket. This game is da bomb for kids who groove and groove. The lyrics are slick, and the hand moves will make them move.
Oranges, Lemons, Kiwis, and Plums
Please tell me when your birthday is oranges, lemons, kiwis, and plums. This game is dope for kids who like to guess and test. The lyrics are chill, but figuring out your fruit is the ultimate quest.
Mr. Spaghetti Had a Baby
Mr. Spaghetti had a baby; she named him Minnie Mouse. She put him in the shower to see if he could douse. This game is lit for kids who want to laugh and giggle. The lyrics have a twist that’ll make them guffaw and snortle.
Shoelaces, Suitcases
Shoelaces, suitcases, rollercoasters, get over. This game is rad for kids who like to remember and render. The lyrics are easy, but the hand moves will put their brain in a blender.
Up on a Hill, Near a Daffy Taffy
Up on a hill, near a daffy taffy, where the kittens sing, and the toads are snappy. This game is fly for kids who like to sing and flap. The lyrics are simple, and the hand moves will make them clap.
Two Little Chimpanzees
Two little chimpanzees are swinging on a vine, one named Flapjack and one named Pine. This game is sick for kids who like to sing and groove. The lyrics are tight, and the hand moves will make them move.
Clapping games are fun and promote social interaction, improve hand-eye coordination, and boost cognitive development in children. By incorporating these 40 fun clapping games into your preschooler’s playtime, you can provide them with hours of entertainment while also helping them develop crucial skills. So next time your little one needs a break from screen time or just needs to burn off some energy, try one of these clapping games!
I’m a former teacher (and mother of Two Childs) with a background in child development. Here to help you with play-based learning activities for kids. ( Check my Next startup Cledemy.Com)